Leh (Ladakh), Jan 23 (NationPress) The women's teams representing Ladakh and ITBP have successfully reached the finals of the ice hockey tournament at the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2026, showcasing their prowess and determination. This matchup will mark a rematch of the women's ice hockey final from KIWG 2025, taking place in the picturesque region of Leh, Ladakh, on Friday.

On a chilly January day in Leh, the finals for men's and women's long-track skating events, scheduled at Gupukh’s Pond, faced disruptions due to heavy snowfall, the first in several weeks for this Union Territory. The visibility issues and the condition of the 333-meter track significantly affected the women's race mid-event, leading to the men's race being postponed.

The defending champions, Army, secured their place in the men’s ice hockey semifinals from Group A. Competing at their home ground, the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre, the Army delivered a stunning performance, defeating Jammu & Kashmir with a score of 11-0. They will face ITBP, the second-ranked team in Group B, in the semifinals, while the hosts, Ladakh, sit atop Group B. Both men’s semifinals are set for Saturday.

In the women’s semifinals held at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Stadium on Friday afternoon, both Ladakh and ITBP teams dominated their respective matches. The newly renovated NDS Stadium, now equipped with a roof, allowed the snowfall to have little impact.

The Ladakh women achieved a resounding victory over Himachal Pradesh with a score of 14-0, while ITBP triumphed over Chandigarh with a score of 10-1. This final will echo the previous year's encounter, where Ladakh bested ITBP 4-0 in a thrilling showdown. The women’s ice hockey event was introduced in KIWG 2024.

Tsewang Chuskit starred with a hat-trick, and veteran players such as Padma Chorol, Rinchen Dolma, Padma Desal, Samina Khatoon, and Rigzin Yangdol each contributed with two goals, leaving Himachal Pradesh in the dust.

“We have won all four matches thus far in KIWG 2026. As the captain, I’m fortunate to have senior players guiding us both on the ice and off. The younger girls are performing excellently and scoring goals too. Our coach has devised effective strategies that worked well in today’s match. The support from the UT Administration in our training has been invaluable, and the selection process was thoroughly conducted through trials in both Leh and Kargil,” remarked Yangdol, the captain of Ladakh. “We are thrilled about the finals and are hopeful to lift the trophy again.”

Dechen Dolker also showcased her talent with a hat-trick during ITBP’s victory over Chandigarh in the second women’s semifinal. Tashi Dolker and Sharap Yangset each contributed two goals to elevate ITBP’s scoreline. While the scoreline was anticipated, Gunika Kaur Bhatti received the loudest applause for netting a consolation goal for Chandigarh.

“Last year, we were unprepared and lost to Ladakh. This year, we are ready and I have faith in my team. We often compete against Ladakh, but recently had only one significant tournament—the LG Cup, where we emerged victorious 7-3. We are maintaining that spirit and aim for a strong performance in the KIWG 2026 final,” stated Tashi Dolker, captain of ITBP.

FRIDAY’S RESULTS

ICE HOCKEY (updated till 7 PM):

(Women’s semifinals) Ladakh defeated Himachal Pradesh 14-0; ITBP defeated Chandigarh 10-1.

(Men) (Group A) Army defeated Jammu & Kashmir 11-0.